How and why did castles change from 1066 to 1550?

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How and why did castles change from 1066 to 1550?

The developments of castles have occured over time, gradual change and improvements to their design and purpose. Changes in construction materials of castles and also in the shape and design, the defensive structure, weaponry or the location of castles have occurred in order to improve them for their needed purpose. Castles were built across Britain from 1066 to 1600 in order to either protect from foreign warriors or local rebellion, to control the local area, as a form of presenting status or even just as comfortable and safe homes for the rich.

The earliest castles built were the Motte and Bailey castles built from 1066 to 1100 by the Normans. Motte and Bailey castles were a common feature in England by the death of William the Conqueror in 1087. Their construction was the start of what was to become a massive castle building programme in England and Wales. The earliest Motte and Bailey castles were simply a wooden blockhouse placed on a mound and surrounded by a stockade hence the term of Motte and Bailey castles. The rapid construction of the Motte and Bailey castles enabled the Normans to control and subjugate the conquered English. Norman soldiers manned the Motte and Bailey castles and were able to take on any attackers. The wooden Norman Castle was also used to safely store supplies and equipment together with their horses. They were built due to the fact of how cheap and easy to get they were, also because of how fast the castles could have been built.

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Then, the Stone Keep castles were built from 1100 onwards. They were a development from Motte and Bailey castles, the changes made were that the castle was then built from stone, they were made to be taller, and they had crenulations along the top, some towers had rounded corners however, mostly were square and only some were rebuilt Motte and Bailey castles. Stone Keep castles were built because they were stronger – more defensive and new weaponry was able to be used – hallering rams. The castles were powerful and permanent, reminder of the authority of the government, they also ...

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